The Ogoni National Congress, convened under the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), has expressed strong support for ongoing dialogue between the Nigerian government and the Ogoni people aimed at resolving a long-standing dispute over oil exploration in Ogoniland.

The meeting, held at the Peace and Freedom Centre in Bori, Rivers State on June 27, 2026, brought together a wide range of stakeholders including traditional rulers, youth groups, women, students, politicians and professionals to discuss issues affecting the Ogoni community.

According to a communiqué signed by MOSOP President Fegalo Nsuke and Secretary-General Alex Akori, participants welcomed the engagement being coordinated through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The congress stressed that after 33 years of conflict related to oil extraction activities in the region, there is a strong need to pursue peaceful and mutually beneficial solutions that can address longstanding grievances.

The stakeholders also raised concern over rising communal violence within Ogoniland, condemning inter- and intra-community clashes and urging residents to embrace dialogue and peaceful coexistence.

They further called on the Nigerian government to ensure transparency and faithful implementation of any agreements reached during the negotiation process, warning that failure to implement agreements could undermine trust in the peace efforts.

In addition, the congress highlighted tensions linked to herders’ activities in Ogoni communities and mandated MOSOP leadership to engage relevant northern community representatives in Rivers State to find a peaceful resolution.The meeting emphasised the importance of unity among Ogoni people and called for tolerance and cooperation to strengthen community peace.

Ogoniland, located in Rivers State in the Niger Delta, remains a historically significant area affected by environmental degradation linked to oil exploitation.

The renewed dialogue is seen as part of broader efforts to address environmental concerns, resource control issues, and the possibility of resuming oil production under improved conditions that prioritise community welfare and environmental protection.